I Stand All Amazed

Fun Fact: I am more than a quarter of the way done with my first semester of college. WEIRD right?

Well here's the weekly rundown!

Monday: It was back to school bright and early! I had my first Biology exam, and I got an 88%. My only goals were to beat my roommate Sydney, and get higher than class average. And well, I did both with soaring colors, so it was a success. But I don't really think much happened after that, it was kind of just a weird day. However, me and Anna ditched FHE and we had the biggest heart to heart. I have come to really respect being able to have heart to hearts with people here at school, and it is crazy how much it can change your relationship. But more than anything, I was reminded that everyone has a story. It is crazy that what we see on the outside, can be so so different than what is on the inside. It's crazy that so much can happen to a person, and they can have such a crazy past, but yet they are where they are. And most of all, they are happy. For that, I am grateful, and I am absolutely amazed. 

Tuesday: I have no school on Tuesdays, so I slept in really late, and then just cleaned, and did laundry, and studied all day long. I'm pretty sure I had a homework date with Keaton, and that was great, as always. However, best part of my Tuesday was teaching kids how to swim. Part of this "new" college me, is doing a lot of community service. So, I signed up to teach kids how to swim! And it is so funny! There are kids from like 2 years old all the way to 8 years old. And pretty much, they get in the water, and you can teach them whatever you would like for a whole 30 minutes. My lessons consist of blowing bubbles, playing Simon says, and learning Chicken/Bird/Solider, AND a whole lot of laughing. To say the least, it is an adventure. Pictures will soon be coming... 

Wednesday: It was just the norm... School all day. In the afternoon, Keaton and I went to Study Hall, where you never get much studying done, because we just talk and laugh. After study hall, we walked down to Institute together. I seriously LOVE institute. My teacher is absolutely amazing, and I love learning and studying the recent conference talks. And it is definitely not too shabby when you can sit by a cute boy who will scratch your back.... ;)

Thursday: I almost slept through my first class, and that was bad. Anyways, I went to my 2 classes, me and my friends stole Cory's car and went grocery shopping. And lastly I had go in and take my Nutrition test. It was quite an experience having to go to the testing center. I felt like I was taking an exam of life or death, so much pressure and so intimidating. But to recover, I got to teach kids to swim yet again! And it was so funny, and so good. I forgot how much I miss kids, and how much I miss hanging out with them. I love being able to lose myself, and forget about my own stress, and focus on kids. I've decided that kids are probably my favorite people on this planet. I love how happy they are, how intrigued they can become, and how easy it is to smile. I sure do miss my "kids" back home. 

Friday: HALLELUJAH. Last week was both so fast, but also so exhausting and so intense. It was so nice being able to wake up and know that it was the end of the week. But I went to school, and to all my classes. I had a Chemistry test, and that kicked my butt. So, I was really bummed that I didn't do as well as I had hoped. And as soon as that hit, it didn't seem to get much better. Because for me, when one thing goes wrong, it all goes wrong. But it was still Friday, and that is what got me through. But the rest of the night was perfect. Me, Anna, and Cory went to the Institute Social, and ate some dang good waffles and watched all the awkward kids dance. And then there was a Drive-In movie night on campus. So we went and watched Inside Out in the back of cars and under the stars. But very soon, my movie watching experience turned out to be a sob session with Deb. (I am NOT a crier. But for some reason, Deb and I have cried more and more everyday. And usually its because we miss each other. Because I miss my Deb more than anything in this world. She is the best of THE best.) But after a nice venting session with Deb, I went back and there was Keaton. Once again, he swept me off my feet at a time that I couldn't have needed it more. We went and laid in the grass, and we talked and vented about our days, and cried some more. And finally once all emotions passed, we got to watch Jurassic World under the stars. I am amazed at how everything always seems to work out. Because Friday was a rough day for me, and at the end of the day, it all worked out, exactly the way it needed to.

Saturday: Well, we slept in until about 12. Which is weird, because I never EVER sleep in that late, nor do I find joy in doing nothing for a whole day. But today, it was just perfect. We slept in late, and then woke up and made breakfast, which was delicious. Then, we crawled back into bed and watched a movie. And finally as 4:00 rolled around, we were ready to get ready for day. So we got ready for the Tailgate and the football game. And off we went. We ate lots of free food, painted our faces, and just had a party! 

Bonus: Going to a small school is great. Because football games are a little bit like high school ones all over again. Except for a lot LOT better. 

Me and Keaton 

Jerika, Thor and I  

Keaton, me, and Nicol aka my favorites.  

seriously, how much better could it get. Look at those faces.

My ladies. 

Sunday: Let me tell you, having 9 o'clock church as a college student kind of sucks. Me and Nicol have yet to make it to church on time... Ooops. But hey, we always make it in time for the Sacrament, and thats what matters. Anyways, church was good, and we looked good ;)

But Sunday ended up being something more. After church, Nicol and I went and sat under some trees out on campus. We started with a prayer, and then we personally read through our patriarchal blessings, and the scriptures. Then, at the exact same minute, we turned and looked at each other and just cried. We talked about what we were feeling, and the way our prayers had been answered. Not once in my life had I ever had an experience like this one. The spirit was absolutely overwhelming, and we were both able to feel it, and I feel as though we were definitely feeling the same thing. 

Bonus: Nicol decided to serve a mission. There are no words to describe the joy and happiness I have for her, and her decision. She will be one heck of a missionary. 

As we sat there under the trees, the words to my favorite hymn were running through my mind. 

          "I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, 

            confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me. 

            I tremble to know that for me He was crucified, that for me, 

            a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died. 

            Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me! 

            Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!"

I am absolutely lost, and overwhelmed with love for my Savior. 

I stand all amazed at the love He has for me. Christ suffered, and He died for ME. I am forever indebted to Him. There is no greater love, no greater sacrifice, and no greater man. 

I stand all amazed at the world around me. If there is anything in this world that makes me happy, it is this earth. What a blessing and a privilege it is to live in such a beautiful place. 

I stand all amazed at the plan the Lord has in store for me. How lucky are we to have someone who knows us better than we know ourselves, and has our whole life planned for us? All we have to do is be obedient, and follow Him. 

I stand all amazed by the people who surround me. I have seriously been blessed with THE greatest people. The Lord knew I needed them, and for that I am grateful. I continue to be amazed by the testimonies, love, and devotion my friends have for our Savior, and for this gospel.

I stand all amazed at this life of which I am apart, because it is so SO good. And "Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me."

xoxo,

ellie d. 

Take Time to Know

I am SO behind! I missed one week, and it feels like I have missed a whole year. School really has kept me busy and running around. But every other second has been nothing less than a party. So, with that, I will just give you the highlights of the last few weeks. Because they have been sweet bliss.

September 1st: Austin and I hit our one year mark. Crazy right? It felt like it had been forever, but also just yesterday. So much has happened, and so much has changed between us, but man do I love that guy. I have been so grateful, and so blessed because of his friendship.

September 3rd: It was a Thursday, and it was a really hard day. I don't like to believe in bad days, but I just remember this being one of them. All I needed was the outdoors, and really cute boy. And that was exactly what I got. There is this boy, and his name is Keaton. Keaton Briggs. He is the kind of boy that gives me butterflies like you would in the 6th grade. Anyways, he asked me on a date... And obviously I said yes. Even better, he asked to go on a night hike. So he picked me up, and hiked up this canyon, with nothing but the stars and the moon. We got to this big opening, and just laid down and watched the stars as we talked and learned all about each other. Not only was it a cute boy, but I was in my favorite place, outside. It was absolutely everything that I needed.

Labor Day Weekend: This weekend was a dream. The Lord knew I needed a break, and more importantly that I needed my Torri... so I caught a ride up to Provo. Friday night we just planned our weekend, went grocery shopping, and I bought a camping hammock. Saturday we woke up early and headed up to the Unitas. We hiked a freezing 7 miles to Mirror Lake. However, I don't think we actually ever saw Mirror Lake, but we saw 7 others. And they were absolutely beautiful.

 We were originally going to spend the night in the Unitas, but neither of us were prepared for such a freezing cold place. So we headed back to Provo, and we tied our sleeping bags to our small packs (we looked a little bit ridiculous to say the least), and Torri took me up her favorite mountain, Squaw Peak. We hiked, literally straight up, (it was one of the steepest hikes I have ever been on), and we made it to the top right at sunset. Colorado has some unbelievable sunsets, but the top of Squaw Peak that night was one of the coolest views, ever. And an extra bonus, we made the yummiest tinfoil dinners and cooked them and ate as we watched the day come to an end. Finally, we set up our hammocks and attempted to sleep. But little did we know that it too would be FREEZING cold. So really, we actually just laid there until 7a.m. and finally fell asleep until 12, when we had the sun to warm us.

We finally made our way down to the mountain, and rushed to Mem Mem, and Pep Pep's for dinner. It was so fun to see them, and to see the Simmons. They never fail to make you laugh. To finish off a perfect day, we went to see Grandma Greenwood. I am probably THE biggest fan of this woman. I never met someone so loving, so caring, so beautiful, and someone who knows her Savior, more than Grandma herself. I feel a little inadequate at times to be in her presence. Grandma is a woman of the Spirit. And I am so grateful I know her.

Monday morning rolled around... we played a game of racquetball, and went to the Latino festival and ate some super yummy tacos. To finish off the weekend, we went on one more hike up to Stewart Falls.

I don't think I could have asked for a better weekend. It was 3 days full of nothing but Torri, nature, and the Spirit. I always forget how much I miss Torri until I with her again. I am so grateful and so happy for her friendship, and for the fact that she is MY sister. I am grateful for a father who taught us to love nature, and how to be in it. I am grateful for the earth that our Heavenly Father created, and for the Spirit that can be felt there. I am grateful the Lord knows me. I feel completely overwhelmed with gratitude, and with love for my Father in Heaven. The Lord has had a hand in every single aspect of my life, and I am so grateful for that.

After a weekend of bliss, the last thing I wanted to do was return to reality. I made it home, back to the sweet City of Cedar. I went to school for a few days, and which seemed to be the longest 3 days of school, ever. 

Wednesday Night: After Institute, my friend Jerika and I went with the boys who live in apartment 27, (they are probably some of the most awkward boys having just returned from their missions), down to the sheep tunnels. They are just huge canal tunnels that go under all of Cedar City, but way fun and scary, with lots and lots of graffiti.

Friday: After a full day of school, and an exhausting week, once again, Keaton swept me away. He took me to get shaved ice, and then took me out to dinner. And then I got THE best care package. It had so many goods, and love letters from all my friends back home. I felt like it was Christmas all over again. Plus sitting and reading Miranda Sings with Keaton, was probably enough laughs to last a lifetime. Finally, we met up with Cory, Anna, Dani, and Jinni and headed down to 2000 Flushes. We went swimming, and had a bonfire, and roasted marshmallows. We lit tires on fire and rolled them down into the crater, and spun donuts in the dirt. It was once again, another perfect night under the stars with perfect company. 

Saturday: I slept in for like the first time in weeks. Me, Keaton, Nicol, and Cory played a few games of racquetball, which was so fun, and freaking hilarious. We then got ready for the next big adventure... Angels Landing! We left at like 6pm and started hiking at 7. We hiked through sunset, and were clinging to the chains under the stars. It is much, much scarier to climb at night. But once we made it to the top, we sat and laid and watched the stars. We started a fire, and cooked some delicious tin foil dinners (or hobo dinners as Keaton would say) once again. We finally all laid down cozied up in our sleeping bags, and slept under the stars. I slept like a baby, and for some reason, everyone else froze. But needless to say, it was one of THE coolest things ever. Such a perfect weekend, and a perfect night. 

This is Keaton. That way you all can put a face to the name.

Sunday: It was Stake Conference and I may or may not have slept through the whole thing. For like the 10 minutes I was awake during Stake Conference, Elder Ballard said, "Find time to be still. Find time to know that He is God." If there is one thing I could do better, it would be this, finding the time to do the things that matter most. This life is crazy, and it is such a whirlwind of emotion and changes, but in reality, there are few things that actually matter. We must take the time to be still, to be surrounded by the Spirit, and to be closer to our Father in Heaven in all things. We must take time to be closer to those around us, because they are the ones who love us, and they are in our life for a reason. We must take time to be more in tune with the Spirit, and to follow the promptings we get. 

We must take time to know ourselves better. We must take the time to know that we are not alone, that the Lord loves us, and that He lives. 

xoxo, 

ellie d.